By Cassie Galasetti
The borough of Red Bank is best explored on foot and with the longer summer nights visitors will have the opportunity to explore even more of what Red Bank has to offer with First Fridays.
First Fridays are nationally recognized events held on the first Friday of each month to bring the public together in a social setting. Red Bank’s version of First Fridays will be held predominately in the Red Bank RiverCenter district, bringing together collectors, artists and community friends for an evening of fun for the whole family.
Red Bank RiverCenter, a not-for-profit alliance of downtown businesses, property owners and residents working toward the economic vitality of downtown Red Bank, has announced this new initiative and experience with seven galleries and more than 20 shops keeping their doors open until at least 9 p.m. for patrons to browse, shop and participate in various workshops and activities.
“First Fridays Red Bank is a self-guided night of experiencing some fantastic art venues and trying something new,” said James Scavone, executive director of Red Bank RiverCenter. “It’s an opportunity for locals and visitors to ease their way into the first weekend of the month by checking out Red Bank’s art community and doing some shopping before and after dinner.”
Attendees can grab a map and explore the galleries on their own, or jump aboard one of the Scooter Dudes six-seater, three-wheeled scooters golf carts (fee required) and ride to the galleries. The Local Line on Wallace Street has scheduled a hands-on candlemaking session from 6 to 8 p.m., while Frame to Please Gallery will use the June 7 date to launch its new opening with photographic images from sports illustrator legend Mike Kupka and rock ‘n’ roll photographer Mark Weiss.
Additional participating art galleries include: Art Alliance of Monmouth County, Beacon Fine Art Gallery, Chetkin Gallery, Detour Gallery, Frame to Please Gallery, Gallery at the Oyster Point Hotel and Stillwell House Fine Art & Antiques. Admission to the galleries is free.
Shops like Goldtinker Jewelers on Broad Street will have their doors open for patrons to visit their showroom later than normal business hours. Plus private voice and acting students from Professional Performance Prep (The Prep) will be outside Goldtinker singing live pop/rock/jazz and musical theater hits to welcome shoppers and add some special entertainment while patrons stroll down Broad Street.
No stranger to staying open late is Courtney Schroeder, marketing director of Two River Theater and Red Bank RiverCenter board member. “We are really excited to bring First Fridays to Red Bank,” she said. “On Friday nights our restaurants, bars and theaters are already abuzz and we wanted to extend that energy into our retail stores and art galleries. As the weather gets warmer, and it stays light out until 8 or 9 p.m., First Fridays will offer those coming into town the opportunity to experience all that Red Bank has to offer.”
The monthly First Friday lineup is posted on RiverCenter website, social media accounts. Future First Friday dates include: July 5, Aug. 2 and Sept. 6.
